
To get Moroccan Dirham in the USA with good exchange rates, you can use a bank that has a partnership with a Moroccan bank, such as Bank of America and Banque Marocaine du Commerce Extérieur.
This partnership allows for more competitive exchange rates, which can save you money on your Dirham purchase.
You can also use a currency exchange service like Travelex, which has a physical location in many US cities.
These services typically offer better exchange rates than a regular currency exchange machine.
Currency Information
Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham as its official currency.
You can get dirham notes in various denominations, including 20 dirham, 50 dirham, 100 dirham, and 200 dirham notes, each with a distinct color: purple, green, brown, and blue respectively.
Online foreign currency exchange services can be a convenient option, but be aware that they charge fees, including an exchange rate margin and a commission fee, which can add up quickly.
To give you a better idea of the fees involved, here's a breakdown of the two types of fees charged by online foreign currency exchange services:
- Exchange Rate Margin: This is the difference between the true "mid-market" exchange rate and the rate applied by the provider.
- Commission Fee: This is usually a percentage of the amount converted, charged for the service provided.
Tipping and Haggling
Tipping in Morocco is a normal practice, especially in markets or souks where you can haggle over prices. Haggling is expected in these areas, and you can even negotiate prices for some services like car rental or hiring a guide for the day.
Prices in Morocco are generally lower than in North America and Western Europe, so you'll often find that a short taxi ride within city limits will cost around 10-20dh. You can also get a cup of coffee or soft drink for around 10dh.
Guides, chauffeurs, and hiking guides typically expect a tip between 50dh to 100dh per person, per day. If you're traveling with a group, this can add up quickly, but it's a nice way to show appreciation for good service.
At larger restaurants, check the bill to see if a service charge has been added. If not, 10% of the bill is a nice tip to reward good service. In smaller restaurants or cafes, anywhere between 2dh and 5dh is fine.
Here's a rough guide to tipping in Morocco:
Remember, tips are always appreciated in Morocco, but they're not mandatory. If you receive good service, a tip is a nice way to show your gratitude.
Currency Basics
The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco, and its abbreviation is MAD internationally, but you'll often see it abbreviated as "dh" in guidebooks and online. The plural form is dirahim in standard Arabic, but it's common to use "dirhams" in English and French.
One santim, which is worth 1/100 of a dirham, is abbreviated as "c". You'll rarely see coins smaller than 20c, but you might come across 50c coins. Paper notes of Morocco money come in denominations of 20dh, 50dh, 100dh, and 200dh, with the 100dh and 200dh notes being the most common.
Here's a quick rundown of the Moroccan Dirham denominations:
A Few Basics
The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco, and it's pronounced "DEER-hem". You might see it abbreviated as MAD, but in most guidebooks and online, it's commonly abbreviated as "dh".
The plural form of dirham is dirahim, but you'll often see it as "dirhams" in English and French. One santim, which comes from the French word centime, is worth 1/100 of a dirham and is abbreviated as "c".
Paper notes of Morocco money come in denominations of 20dh, 50dh, 100dh, and 200dh. The 100dh and 200dh notes are the most common, equivalent to 10s and 20s in currencies like the US dollar, euro, or Australian dollar.
Here's a quick rundown of the different dirham notes:
The exchange rate is a key consideration when sending money to Morocco. It's like a game of musical chairs, where the value of the dirham can change from day to day, even from moment to moment.
Coins
Morocco's coinage is quite interesting. The 1 santim coin, which is worth 1/100 of a dirham, was only minted until 1987.
You'll rarely see coins smaller than 20c in circulation, but you might come across 50c. The 50c coin is a bit of an outlier, but it's still a valid denomination.
The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco, and it's commonly abbreviated as "dh." You'll also see the abbreviation "c" for santimat, which is worth 1/100 of a dirham.
Here's a breakdown of the coins currently in circulation in Morocco:
Other Currencies
You might hear prices quoted in francs in small shops or markets throughout Morocco, which can be confusing since some Moroccans use franc to stand for the equivalent of a dirham when speaking French.
The traditional usage of franc typically refers to 1/100 of a dirham, so 10 dirhams would be 1,000 francs. This usage is rare, though still in use in some parts of Morocco.
You might also hear the old Spanish currency, "real", being used, but be aware that the amount it refers to differs depending on the region.
Around Tetouan and its surrounding villages, real refers to 1/10 of a dirham, whereas in the Middle Atlas, it will mean 1/20 of a dirham.
Quick Reference
The most common paper notes in Morocco are 100dh and 200dh, equivalent to 10s and 20s.
You'll also hear about the franc and the real, but these are mostly used by name.
One Franc is equal to 1/100 of a dirham, which means 1,000 francs equals 10 dirhams.
The Middle Atlas Real is worth 1/20 of a dirham, with 200 of them equaling 10 dirhams.
Tetouani Real is worth half a dirham, with 10 of them equaling 10 dirhams.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you navigate the currency:
Financial Institutions
In Morocco, you can exchange small amounts of dirhams at larger travel agencies and some major airports, but be aware that it's technically against the law to take dirhams outside of Morocco.
International airports in Morocco have currency exchange counters and available cash machines, and exchange rates are fixed by law with minimal fees between banks and exchange counters.
Banks abound in larger cities, but many close during lunchtime and have reduced hours during Ramadan and summertime.
Financial Institutions
In Morocco, the dirham is a closed currency, which means it's not easily exchanged outside the country. However, you can find small amounts of dirhams at larger travel agencies and some major airports, like in the UK and France.
Banks abound in larger cities, and you'll need to bring your passport to talk with a bank teller. Always ask for a receipt following a transaction, and note that many banks close during lunchtime and have shorter hours during Ramadan and summertime.
ATMs, or guichet automatique, are the most convenient option for travelers, with over twenty in the vicinity of Marrakesh's medina alone. Be sure to check with your bank and/or card provider before leaving to set a travel alert and confirm your PIN works.
Credit cards are accepted in modern shopping centers, fancier restaurants, and large hotels, but cash is still king in Morocco. It's not uncommon to carry thousands of dirhams on you, even for locals.
Save all exchange and ATM receipts to facilitate the exchange of leftover Moroccan money back into your local currency before departure.
WISE Account
WISE Account is a standout in the financial world. It offers a high trust and credibility score of 9.3, indicating a strong reputation.
One of the key reasons for this high rating is WISE's commitment to transparency. Unlike many other financial institutions, WISE clearly discloses its fees and exchange rates, so you know exactly what you're getting.
Here are some key statistics that highlight WISE's strengths:
WISE's fees and exchange rates are particularly noteworthy, with a commission fee ranging from 0.35% to 2.85%. This is significantly lower than the industry average, making WISE a great option for those looking to save money on conversions.
Travel and Exchange
Traveling to Morocco can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to be prepared for the local currency, Moroccan dirham (MAD). You can get Moroccan dirham in various ways, including using a prepaid travel money card, exchanging foreign currency at an ATM, or ordering online foreign currency exchange services.
If you're planning to travel to Morocco, it's a good idea to get some local currency for purchases, as not all businesses accept credit cards. You can exchange money for dirham at hotels, high street banks in major cities, or bureau de change outlets located at the airport and in cities.
When exchanging money, it's crucial to check exchange rates and fees beforehand to ensure you get the best rate. You can use online tools or consult with a financial institution to find the current exchange rate and any applicable fees.
In Morocco, you can withdraw dirham from ATMs using a debit card with no foreign transaction fees. This is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to get local currency. However, be aware that you'll be charged fees for converting the currency and using your card internationally.
If you're staying in another country for an extended period, setting up a local bank account may be a better option. This can help you avoid high fees associated with withdrawing cash from ATMs.
Here are some options to consider when getting Moroccan dirham in the USA:
- Prepaid travel money card
- ATMs abroad via travel debit cards
- Online foreign currency exchange services
- Traditional banks
- Money changer kiosks
- Airport kiosks
It's essential to research and compare the fees and exchange rates associated with each option to find the best choice for your needs.
To calculate the exchange rate for Moroccan dirham, you can use the following equation: Send currency x Exchange Rate = Receive Amount. For example, if you're sending 100 USD and the exchange rate is 1 USD = 9.78 MAD, the conversion would be 100 USD x 9.78 MAD = 978 MAD.
When traveling to Morocco, it's a good idea to have some local currency for small purchases, such as snacks or souvenirs. You can exchange money for dirham at various locations, including hotels, banks, and bureau de change outlets.
Here is a summary of the best places to buy Moroccan dirham in the USA:
- Prepaid travel money card
- ATMs abroad via travel debit cards
- Online foreign currency exchange services
- Traditional banks
- Money changer kiosks
- Airport kiosks
Each method has its conveniences and drawbacks, so it's essential to research and compare the fees and exchange rates before making a decision.
When using an ATM to withdraw dirham, make sure to choose a machine that is part of the Cirrus and PLUS networks. This will help you avoid high fees associated with using a non-network ATM.
In Morocco, you can withdraw dirham from ATMs using a debit card with no foreign transaction fees. However, be aware that you'll be charged fees for converting the currency and using your card internationally.
Here are some coins currently in circulation in Morocco:
- 10 santimat
- 20 santimat
- ½ dirham
- 1 dirham
- 5 dirhams
- 10 dirhams
It's essential to have some knowledge of the local currency and its denominations to make transactions smoothly.
Exchange Services
If you're looking to get Moroccan dirham, online foreign currency exchange services can be a convenient option. They often have reasonable prices if you order a few weeks in advance.
To avoid extra fees, it's essential to pay with a debit card instead of a credit card, as credit card providers may treat it as a cash advance. Online foreign currency exchange services charge two types of fees: Exchange Rate Margin and Commission Fee. The Exchange Rate Margin is the difference between the provider's exchange rate and the true mid-market exchange rate, while the Commission Fee is usually a percentage of the amount converted.
When using online foreign currency exchange services, you can find the latest exchange rates on websites, which are updated in real-time. However, the exchange rate can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors, including interest rates, inflation, and political stability.
If you're sending money to Morocco, you may want to consider using a specialist remittance company, which can often offer more competitive rates than traditional banks. Online-only companies like Remitly are popular options, as they can afford to offer excellent rates due to lower running costs.
Here are some options to consider when exchanging foreign currency for Moroccan dirham in Morocco:
- Hotels
- High street banks in major cities
- Bureau de change outlets located at the airport and in cities
When exchanging money in Morocco, it's essential to check the exchange rates and fees beforehand to ensure you get the best deal. You can also use ATMs in Morocco to withdraw dirham, but be aware that you'll likely be charged fees for converting the currency and using your card internationally.
To calculate the exchange rate, you can use the following equation: Send currency x Exchange Rate = Receive Amount. For example, if the exchange rate is 1 USD = 9.78 MAD, then 100 USD would be equivalent to 978 MAD. However, you'll need to deduct any fees applied by the transfer service to find out how much your loved one will actually receive.
Best Exchange Options
If you're looking for the best exchange options, you have several choices, including prepaid travel money cards, ATMs with debit cards, online foreign currency exchange services, traditional banks, money changer kiosks, and airport bureau de change.
Prepaid travel money cards can be a convenient option, as they allow you to hold multiple currencies, including MAD, in a single account. For example, Revolut offers a multi-currency account that supports 37 currencies, including MAD, and offers competitive exchange rates.
To find the best exchange rate, it's essential to compare the rates offered by different providers. According to example 3, the basic equation for calculating the exchange rate is: Send currency x Exchange Rate = Receive Amount. This means that you should always check the exchange rate before making a transaction.
Here are some popular options to consider:
Remember to always check the fees and exchange rates before making a transaction to ensure you get the best deal.
Best Places to Buy Currency in the USA
If you're looking for the best places to buy currency in the USA, there are several options to consider.
Prepaid travel money cards are a convenient way to purchase Moroccan dirham, and you can find the best ones by comparing rates.
ATMs abroad can be used with debit cards that waive foreign transaction fees, making them a cost-effective option.
Online foreign currency exchange services are another option, but it's essential to learn about travel money and compare rates before making a decision.
Traditional banks also offer currency exchange, but you should explore their options and fees before choosing them.
Money changer kiosks and airport bureau de changes are also available, but they may not be the best alternatives.
Here's a summary of the best places to buy Moroccan dirham in the USA:
Revolut
Revolut is a great option for sending money to Morocco, especially if you're looking for a service that offers excellent exchange rates. It supports multiple currencies, including the Moroccan dirham (MAD).
One of the standout features of Revolut is its exchange rate margin, which is as low as 0.4% on some currency conversions. You can even get this fee waived if you subscribe to their paid plans.
Revolut's multi-currency account is similar to that of WISE, but it doesn't charge fixed fees when converting currencies. This can be a big plus for frequent senders.
Here's a quick rundown of Revolut's ratings:
- Trust & Credibility: 8.9
- Service & Quality: 7.9
- Fees & Exchange Rates: 8.3
- Customer Satisfaction: 9.3
Revolut offers some of the best exchange rates on the market, especially for common currency corridors like GBP to EUR or USD to GBP.
Best Exchange
The best exchange options for Moroccan dirham are essential to know when sending money to Morocco. You can get a better understanding of the exchange rate by checking the current value of the dirham against the currency you're using.
A range of factors can affect the value of the dirham, including interest rates, inflation, political and economic stability, government debt, and Morocco's import and export activity. These factors can cause the exchange rate to fluctuate.
To get the best exchange rate, you should compare current rates before making a transfer. You can do this by looking at the exchange rate equation: Send currency x Exchange Rate = Receive Amount.

The best exchange rates can be found by using a prepaid travel money card, ATM with a debit card, online foreign currency exchange service, traditional banks, money changer kiosks, or airport bureau de change.
Revolut is a great option for getting a good exchange rate, especially for common currency corridors like GBP to EUR or USD to GBP. It offers some of the best exchange rates on the market, with a margin on the exchange rate ranging from 0.4% to 2%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I exchange money before I travel to Morocco?
No, it's not recommended to exchange money before traveling to Morocco due to its closed currency policy. You can bring in or take out a limited amount of dirhams, but the majority will need to be exchanged upon arrival.
What is the best way to buy a Moroccan dirham?
To get the best Moroccan dirham exchange rate, shop around at Marrakech airport banks, post office, or Hotel Ali exchange booth in Jamaa Lafna Square. Compare rates at multiple locations to find the best deal.
Can you get Moroccan dirham outside of Morocco?
No, you cannot obtain Moroccan dirham outside of Morocco. However, you can exchange your pounds for dirhams in banks, hotels, and currency exchange offices at airports or ports.
Sources
- https://www.travelex.co.uk/travelex-hub/travel-guides/morocco/what-currency-does-morocco-use
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moroccan_dirham
- https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/morocco/currency
- https://www.monito.com/en/where-to-buy-currency/moroccan-dirham-in-usa
- https://blog.remitly.com/currencies/the-best-moroccan-dirham-rates-a-guide-to-converting-exchanging-and-transferring-dirham/
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